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04/06/2014

Thinking of Kindness...

Happy Sunday! This post is not going to be all about the knitting as usual. Maybe because my head is elsewhere right now. Do you ever have one of those weeks where something is bothering you and it sticks to you like a fog?

Kind words or the lack there of. That is what is on my mind.

Who are we, if we are not kind? What does that make us?

A couple days ago I was listening to two very different podcasts. The hosts were expressing how they had been hurt by people. People who had expressed and acted in hurtful ways.

I am not perfect by any means. But I do try to be conscious of the effect words can have on someone. I have learned that they don't feel good coming out of my mouth. That is not to say that there aren't times when my actions or words don't cause pain to another. Sometimes life offers us a reminded, as sort of "check yourself" light. I felt listening to these podcasters that I was given a reminder. Not only to not be cruel, but to make sure that I take the time to let others know that they matter and why.

This is for each and everyone one of you:

You matter to me.

You take the time to share with me and others the stories of your days.

You stop by and visit me. With all the busy things we have going on in life, time if precious. So thank you for sharing some of your time with me.

You are always gracious with your comments. I have never had a negative comment on my blog and I hope to never have one.

Your compassion knows no bounds. You congratulate others on winning give-aways. You don't have to, but you do. That is amazing.

You wish me well when I whine about being sick. Often times offerring up remedies, how amazing is that?

You have welcomed me as a "virtual" friend without questions or judgements.

So thank you. You all do more to enrich my life everyday then you will ever know. I know it goes without saying, but if you could take the time today to being especially kind to someone today. We all know the negative effect words can have, yet we also know the postive effect they can have.

A very good reminder as I know I can have a quick temper. I am not innocent that's for sure but I do tend to speak out when I feel the need to defend and keep it real. I have let go of people because I'm tired of the negativity.
You are sunshine to me. I love reading your posts. Like NWA rapid, "Express yourself."

I love a great feel-good post. As I was reading this, my cat was sitting on a chair beside me making soulful eyes at me. I could almost hear the mental message, "It would be considered an act of kindness to pet me."

What a thoughtful post. I think I would add that you shouldn't beat yourself up if you inadvertently upset someone. We are all human, and fallible, and it is also human to forgive. It's lovely to hear words from a person who tries hard to be nice. There are so many in this world who are not.

it's been my experience that kindness breeds kindness….and you seem to be one of the kindest, most generous of folks! i feel lucky to have stumbled into your little corner of blogland and you've made me better for it! thank you!

Oh, Andi! This post resonates with me. I try to live each day with kindness, and it's hard sometimes, but really I benefit even more than others when I'm kind. I feel terrible when I'm negative! Thanks for the reminder to be aware of my own words and actions.

Words can be very painful and unfortunately too many people don't care to be careful. I am sure we have all been hurt by words too many times. You are great for posting this and you always have the nicest words yourself.

I agree that when you say something negative, it leaves an unpleasant aftertaste. So let me take an opportunity to say that I look forward to seeing each and every one of your blog posts. The photos are lovely and I've discovered new and now favorite things through you. And that every time you've highlighted one of my posts, I feel extra warm and fuzzy inside.

So many times an unkind word is uttered without thought. We live in such a different world to that of years gone by. People seem very selfish or is it just the pace of life that makes everybody short tempered or self absorbed?

I always try to show kindness in my words and deeds. I like to think that if I have to say something negative, it's done in a nice way and with no malice intended.